Note 64 — Chapter III · BOYHOOD—EDINBURGH ACADEMY—“OLD 31”—HOLIDAYS AT GLENLAIR—1841 TO 1844—ÆT. 10-13.
Reading edition
A substance often found on the sea-shore. It is of a honey-combed structure, and consists, in fact, of the egg-capsules of the common whelk (Buccinum undatum). When dried and pulverised, it has an irritating effect upon the skin. Hence the local name:—“Fyke”= fidget. See Jamieson’s Dictionary.